Surveillance shows varroa bee mite has spread

MAF's varroa
surveillance programme for the southern North Island today
detected an infestation of the varroa bee mite at an apiary
near Hayward's Hill, north of Wellington. Two other
infestations of varroa have been found further north - one
at an apiary in the foothills of the Ruahine Ranges near
Mangaweka and one at an apiary near Marton.

A Varroa
Movement Control Line is in place from Taranaki to East Cape
to restrict the southward movement of beehives and
associated equipment. The latest survey of the southern
North Island began in May and has targeted about 450
apiaries, with more results expected during the remainder of
August.

Paul Bolger, MAF's Varroa Programme Coordinator,
said it was expected the survey would detect further
instances of the spread of varroa. Most finds, including
detections in North Taranaki, the Wanganui River valley,
along the Napier-Taupo Road and near Ruatoria, have been
within 10 kilometres of the control line and probably result
from natural spread.

MAF has begun testing and treating
further apiaries in the Marton area and is preparing a
response for the other new sites. MAF and the National
Beekeepers Association will re-evaluate the movement control
policy and conditions following these finds.

"The control
line has remained in place now for two years and has been
much more effective in slowing the spread of varroa than
most beekeepers expected. We know from international
experience that movement controls can never permanently stop
the spread of varroa. The control line has effectively
given beekeepers in the southern North Island a breathing
space to prepare for the eventual arrival of varroa," said
Paul Bolger.

MAF will continue to advise the beekeeping
industry of new varroa finds as the surveillance programme
continues. MAF is working with stakeholders to develop a
long-term management plan for varroa.

Internet link: A
map showing the known distribution of varroa as at 1 August
2002 is available at
www.maf.govt.nz/biosecurity/pests-diseases/animals/varroa/maps/ni-surveillance.htm
This map demonstrates the variation in spread between the
two 'halves' of the North Island and will be updated at
regular intervals. The South Island remains 'varroa free'.

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